Teen who recorded George Floyd’s death receives courage award presented by Spike Lee

George Floyd

Dec 9

(EEW Magazine News) The literary and free expression organization PEN America honored Darnella Frazier, the quick-thinking and dauntless young woman who filmed the murder of George Floyd, with the 2020 PEN/Benenson Courage Award.

PEN America bestowed the award on the 17-year-old Frazier at its virtual gala celebration on December 8. Oscar-winning film director Spike Lee presented the award to Frazier and said he was "proud” of her courage.

“I never would imagine out of my whole 17 years of living that this’ll be me,” said Frazier who expressed gratitude for receiving the award. “It’s just a lot to take in. But I couldn’t say thank you enough for everything that’s been coming towards me.”

Darnella receives the PEN AMERICA award for Courage.

“With nothing more than a cell phone and sheer guts, Darnella changed the course of history in this country, sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police,” said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel, author of Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All.

“With remarkable steadiness, Darnella carried out the expressive act of bearing witness, and allowing hundreds of millions around the world to see what she saw. Without Darnella’s presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd’s murder. We are proud to recognize her exceptional courage with this award,” Nossel added.

Frazier documented the death of the 46-year-old Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, one of whom—Derek Chauvin—pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck, well after Floyd lost consciousness. Frazier’s video quickly spread across social media and led to a wave of community outrage, a major investigation, and Chauvin’s arrest, as well as the dismissal of the three other officers.

Floyd’s killing, along with the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Dion Johnson, and others, drove a wave of activism across the country crying out for racial and economic justice.

“With courage and clear-eyed resolve, Darnella bore witness to a critical truth at great personal and emotional cost—and our country is in her debt,” said Jennifer Egan, author and president of PEN America’s Board of Trustees. “We would all do well to emulate Darnella’s grit in standing up to those with a monopoly on force and violence as we push for a stronger democracy, a more equal society, and a more just world. Her truth-telling epitomizes the kind of brave action that PEN America exists to celebrate and defend.”

The all-virtual 2020 PEN America Gala was streamed to supporters around the world and included special guests, performances, readings, and the presentation of multiple PEN America honors.

Darnella Frazier is a senior in high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Born and raised in St. Paul, Frazier enjoys sports and has played junior varsity and varsity volleyball and basketball. She also enjoys singing, fashion, and debate. She started working at 16 years old at a local pretzel shop where she was promoted to manager. Frazier is currently focused on school and looks forward to attending college.